In Europe

Regulators veto gas interconnection project between France and Spain

France Meddles In Spain’s European Energy Plans

Spain has been trying to push ahead with two projects which are vitally important for its energy sector: the sale of gas and electricity (basically renewables) to the EU. With practically no positive results to date. In 2012, an agreement was reached with France and Brussels to increase the electricity and gas interconnections with Europe via the Pyrenees. But in spite of that, and the fact the money is already ready there, the investments required are taking much more time to materialise than they should.


Matteo renzi

Italy’s Referendum Could Re-Start A New Euro Crisis

AXA IM | Those wishing for a successful constitutional reform in Italy need to be aware that it could actually trigger a referendum on the euro. Growing nerves here likely explain the widening of the spread between German and Italian bonds as investors try to hedge ‘currency’ risk.




BNP

Credit Demand Will Recover In Q4’16: BNP, SocGen, BBVA, Bankia In Prime Position

The quarterly survey of the main EMU banks carried out by the ECB reveals that demand for credit is increasing, although at a slower pace. In its quarterly strategy report for Q4’16, Bankinter has revised its stance on the banking sector from Sell to Neutral. Its top picks in the current environment are BNP, SocGen, BBVA and Bankia.




Brexit VintageTC

The UK Four Months On From Brexit: “The Worst Is Yet To Come”

It’s not even four months since the UK referendum on remaining in the European Union, resulting in the successful vote for what is known as Brexit. The questions on which Great Britain wants to base its exit negotations from March 2017 are being able to maintain all the advantages of an EU member, like the freedom of movement of goods and capital, while still controlling its own borders.


Wallonia

Wallonia Wrecks The EU Trade Policy

A Belgian region totalling no more than 3.5 million inhabitants has derailed European Union efforts to conclude a broad trade agreement with Canada. Wallonia’s unexpected rebellion will undoubtedly weigh on any future negotiation involving issues beyond the usual trade in goods, setting a nasty yardstick for the forthcoming Brexit talks.


montedeipaschi and more

An Italian Take On Banking Crisis

Silvia Merler | The year 2016 has not been good to Italian banks. While resilient to the first wave of financial crisis in 2008, due to their low exposure to US sub-prime products and to the fact that Italy did not have a pre-crisis housing bubble, they have been suffering much from the euro sovereign crisis and the ensuing deteriorating economic conditions.